Dehumidifier

ABSTRACT

A dehumidifier is provided. The dehumidifier includes a main body having a suction part into which air is suctioned, the main body having a discharge part through which the air is discharged, a compressor disposed in the main body to compress a refrigerant, a second heat-exchange part receiving the compressed refrigerant from the compressor, and first and third heat-exchange parts disposed in the main body to receive the refrigerant condensed by the second heat-exchange part. The air suctioned through the suction part successively passes through the first, second, and third heat-exchange parts.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application claims priority under 35 U.S.C. 119 to Korean Patent Application No. 10-2013-0153032, filed on Dec. 10, 2013, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

BACKGROUND

The present disclosure relates to a dehumidifier.

In general, a dehumidifier is a device in which humid air in an indoor space is suctioned into the dehumidifier to reduce humidity thereof while passing through a heat exchanger constituted by a condenser and evaporator through which a refrigerant flows, and then the dehumidified air is discharged again to the indoor space, thereby decreasing humidity in the indoor space.

One such dehumidifier is disclosed in Korean Patent Publication No. 2008-0076658.

According to the dehumidifier, air suctioned through a suction part is dehumidified by an evaporator and then heated while passing again through a condenser. Then, the heated air having low relative humidity is supplied into the indoor space through a discharge part.

However, according to the dehumidifier disclosed in the above-mentioned document, since the dehumidified air is discharged after passing through the condenser, the dehumidified air is heated while passing through the condenser, and thus the heated air is discharged, which may cause emotional dissatisfaction of a user.

SUMMARY

Embodiments provide a dehumidifier in which dehumidified air is discharged in a cooled state to minimize emotional dissatisfaction of a user.

In one embodiment, a dehumidifier includes: a main body having a suction part into which air is suctioned and a discharge part through which the air is discharged; a compressor disposed in the main body to compress a refrigerant; a second heat-exchange part that receives the compressed refrigerant from the compressor; and first and third heat-exchange parts disposed in the main body to receive the refrigerant condensed by the second heat-exchange part, wherein the air suctioned through the suction part successively passes through the first, second, and third heat-exchange parts.

In another embodiment, a dehumidifier including: a suction part into which air is suctioned; a plurality of heat-exchange parts through which the air suctioned through the suction part passes; and a discharge part through which the air passing through the plurality of heat-exchange parts is discharged, wherein the plurality of heat-exchange parts include: a second heat-exchange part acting as a condenser; and first and third heat-exchange parts each of which acts as an evaporator, wherein the second heat-exchange part is disposed between the first heat-exchange part and the third heat-exchange part.

The details of one or more embodiments are set forth in the accompanying drawings and the description below. Other features will be apparent from the description and drawings, and from the claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is schematic view of an inner configuration of a dehumidifier according to a first embodiment.

FIG. 2 is a view of the dehumidifier according to the first embodiment.

FIG. 3 is a view illustrating a flow of a refrigerant when the dehumidifier is operated according to the first embodiment.

FIG. 4 is schematic view of an inner configuration of a dehumidifier according to a second embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

Reference will now be made in detail to the embodiments of the present disclosure, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings.

In the following detailed description of the preferred embodiments, reference is made to the accompanying drawings that form a part hereof, and in which is shown by way of illustration specific preferred embodiments in which the invention may be practiced. These embodiments are described in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice the invention, and it is understood that other embodiments may be utilized and that logical structural, mechanical, electrical, and chemical changes may be made without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention. To avoid detail not necessary to enable those skilled in the art to practice the invention, the description may omit certain information known to those skilled in the art. The following detailed description is, therefore, not to be taken in a limiting sense.

Also, in the description of embodiments, terms such as first, second, A, B, (a), (b) or the like may be used herein when describing components of the present invention. Each of these terminologies is not used to define an essence, order or sequence of a corresponding component but used merely to distinguish the corresponding component from other component(s). It should be noted that if it is described in the specification that one component is “connected,” “coupled” or “joined” to another component, the former may be directly “connected,” “coupled,” and “joined” to the latter or “connected”, “coupled”, and “joined” to the latter via another component.

FIG. 1 is schematic view of an inner configuration of a dehumidifier according to a first embodiment, and FIG. 2 is a view of the dehumidifier according to the first embodiment.

Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, a dehumidifier 1 according to a first embodiment may include a main body 10 defining an outer appearance thereof.

The main body 10 may include a suction part 102 as an inlet for suctioning air, a discharge part 104 for discharging the air, and a fan 60 for allowing the air to flow.

Also, the main body 10 may further include a compressor 11 for compressing a refrigerant, a heat exchanger 20 for exchanging heat between the refrigerant flowing therethrough and the air, and an expansion device 30 for expanding the refrigerant.

In the present disclosure, the heat exchanger 20 includes a plurality of heat-exchange parts. Here, a portion of the heat-exchange parts may act as a condenser, and the other portion of the heat-exchange parts may act as an evaporator.

The plurality of heat-exchange parts constituting the heat exchanger 20 may include a first heat-exchange part 21, a second heat-exchange part 22, and a third heat-exchange part 23. In the current embodiment, the plurality of heat-exchange parts 21, 22, and 23 are integrally formed to constitute one heat exchanger 20. Here, the plurality of heat-exchange parts 21, 22, and 23 may be distinguished from each other according to a flow of the refrigerant.

Alternatively, the plurality of heat-exchange parts 21, 22, and 23 may be provided as separated modules and then be coupled to each other to constitute one heat exchanger 20. Alternatively, the plurality of heat-exchange parts 21, 22, and 23 may be provided as separated modules and then independently disposed in the main body 10. In this case, it may be understood that the main body 10 substantially includes three heat exchangers. Also, the plurality of heat-exchange parts 21, 22 and 23 may be in contact with each other or spaced a predetermined distance apart from each other.

The second heat-exchange part 22 may be disposed between the first heat-exchange part 21 and the third heat-exchange part 23. The second heat-exchange part 22 is disposed at a downstream side of the first heat-exchange part 21 with respect to a flow of the air. Also, the third heat-exchange part 23 is disposed at a downstream side of the second heat-exchange part 22. Also, the discharge part 104 is defined at a downstream side of the third heat-exchange part 23. That is, since the first to third heat-exchange parts 21, 22, and 23 are disposed in series with respect to a flow direction of the air, the air successively flows through the first, second, and third heat-exchange parts 21, 22, and 23 and then is discharged outside the main body 10 through the discharge part 104.

For example, although the fan 60 is disposed at an upstream side of the first heat-exchange part 21 in FIG. 2, the present disclosure is not limited thereto. For example, the fan may be disposed at the downstream side of the third heat-exchange part 23.

The compressor 11 may be connected to the second heat-exchange part 22 by a first tube 41. The second heat-exchange part 22 may be connected to a second tube 43. A valve 50 for controlling a flow direction of the refrigerant may be disposed in the second tube 43. Although the valve 50 may be a three-way valve, the present disclosure is not limited thereto.

A first connection tube 45 and a second connection tube 46 are connected to the valve 50. The first connection tube is connected to the first heat-exchange part 21, and the second connection tube 46 is connected to the third heat-exchange part 23. Thus, the refrigerant may flow into one of the first heat-exchange part 21 and the third heat-exchange part 23 or may flow into each of the first heat-exchange part 21 and the third heat-exchange part 23 by the valve 50.

A first expansion device 31 is disposed in the first connection tube 45, and a second expansion device 32 is disposed in the second connection tube 45. Each of the expansion devices and 32 may be an electronic expansion valve (EEV) through which a flow rate and expansion degree of the refrigerant is controllable.

Alternatively, the first and second connection tubes 45 and 46 are branched from the second tube 43, and a valve may be disposed in each of the first and second connection tubes 45 and 46.

The discharge tubes of the first heat-exchange part 21 and the third heat-exchange part 23 may be combined with each other and then connected to the compressor 11.

Also, the main body 10 may further include a water tank 70 for storing condensate water. The water tank 70 may be separably coupled to the main body 10. The condensate water stored in the water tank 70 may be drained in a state where the water tank 70 is separated from the main body 10.

Hereinafter, an operation of the dehumidifier according to the current embodiment will be described.

FIG. 3 is a view illustrating a flow of a refrigerant when the dehumidifier is operated according to the first embodiment.

Referring to FIG. 3, when the dehumidifier 1 operates, the refrigerant compressed in the compressor 11 is introduced into the second heat-exchange part 22. The refrigerant introduced into the second heat-exchange part 22 is condensed while flowing in the heat-exchange part 22. Thus, the second heat-exchange part 22 acts as a condenser. The refrigerant discharged from the second heat-exchange part 22 may flow along the second tube 43 and divided into the first and second connection tubes 45 and 46 by the valve 50.

Also, the refrigerant flowing through the each of the connection tubes 45 and 46 is expanded by the each of the expansion devices 31 and 32. Also, the refrigerant expanded by the each of the expansion devices 31 and 32 may be introduced into the compressor 11 after being evaporated while flowing in the first and third heat-exchange parts 21 and 23. Thus, the first and third heat-exchange parts 21 and 23 act as an evaporator in the cooling mode.

Here, the expansion devices 31 and 32 may have opening degrees different from each other so that an evaporation temperature of the first heat-exchange part 21 is different from that of the third heat-exchange part 23. Here, each of the first and third heat-exchange parts 21 and 23 may act as an evaporator.

In detail, each of the expansion devices 31 and 32 may be adjusted in opening degree so that the evaporation temperature of the first heat-exchange part 21 is less than that of the third heat-exchange part 23. That is, the second expansion device 32 has an opening degree less than that of the first expansion device 31. Thus, the refrigerant expanded by the second expansion device 32 has a temperature less than that of the refrigerant expanded by the first expansion device 31, and also the refrigerant flowing into the third heat-exchange part 23 has a flow rate less than that of the refrigerant flowing into the first heat-exchange part 21. Thus, the evaporation temperature of the third heat-exchange part 23 is less than that of the first heat-exchange part 21.

Therefore, the air blown by the fan 60 is dehumidified while passing through the first heat-exchange part 21, and then is heated while passing through the second heat-exchange part 22. Then, the heated air is cooled while the passing through the third heat-exchange part 23. Thus, since the dehumidified air is cooled and discharged from the main body 10 through the discharge part 104, the user may feel less unpleasant to minimize emotional dissatisfaction.

Here, the evaporation temperature of the third heat-exchange part may be below zero. In this case, energy efficiency may be improved through ice storage effects, and also cooling effects may be obtained.

In this specification, since it is desired by the user to discharge high-temperature air from the dehumidifier as necessary, the user may select a temperature of the air discharged from the dehumidifier. That is, an operation mode of the dehumidifier includes a first mode in which air cooled by the third heat-exchange part is discharged and a second mode in which air that is not cooled by the third heat-exchange part is discharged. The first or second mode may be selected by the user. Here, when the second mode is selected, the valve may be controlled to allow the refrigerant to flow only into the first connection tube.

FIG. 4 is schematic view of an inner configuration of a dehumidifier according to a second embodiment.

The current embodiment is the same as the first embodiment except for the heat exchanger. Thus, only specific portions of the current embodiment will be described below.

Referring to FIG. 4, a heat exchanger according to a second embodiment may include first, second, and third heat-exchange parts 21, 22, and 23.

In the current embodiment, the first to third heat-exchange parts 21, 22, and 23 may have the same function as those of the first embodiment, except for positions thereof.

In detail, the second and third heat-exchange parts 22 and 23 may be disposed at a downstream side of the first heat-exchange part 21. At least one portion of the third heat-exchange part 23 may be disposed above the second heat-exchange part 22.

Here, the at least one portion of the third heat-exchange part 23 may vertically overlap the second heat-exchange part 22 in FIG. 4.

Also, at least one other portion of the third heat-exchange part 23 may be disposed at a downstream side of the second heat-exchange part 22. That is, the at least one other portion of the third heat-exchange part 23 may horizontally overlap the second heat-exchange part 22 in FIG. 4.

Thus, according to the current embodiment, the condensate water generated in the third heat-exchange part while the third heat-exchange part 23 acts as an evaporator flows down into the second heat-exchange part 22, and thus the second heat-exchange part 22 acting as the condenser may be improved in condensation performance.

Although the valve controls the flow of the refrigerant in the above embodiments, the valve may be omitted. In this case, the first and second expansion device may control the flow rate of the refrigerant. That is, in the first mode, each of the expansion devices may be controlled to have an opening degree of 0° or more, although it should be understood that both expansion devices would not have an opening degree of during normal operation of the dehumidifier. In the second mode, the second expansion device may be controlled to have an opening degree of 0°.

Although embodiments have been described with reference to a number of illustrative embodiments thereof, it should be understood that numerous other modifications and embodiments can be devised by those skilled in the art that will fall within the spirit and scope of the principles of this disclosure. More particularly, various variations and modifications are possible in the component parts and/or arrangements of the subject combination arrangement within the scope of the disclosure, the drawings and the appended claims. In addition to variations and modifications in the component parts and/or arrangements, alternative uses will also be apparent to those skilled in the art. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A dehumidifier comprising: a main body having an inlet part through which air enters the main body, and a discharge part through which air is discharged out of the main body; a compressor located in the main body to compress a refrigerant; a second heat-exchange part located in the main body and configured to receive compressed refrigerant from the compressor; and a first heat-exchange part and a third heat-exchange part located in the main body and configured to receive refrigerant condensed by the second heat-exchange part, wherein air entering the main body through the inlet part successively passes in order through the first heat-exchange part, the second heat-exchange part, and the third heat-exchange part.
 2. The dehumidifier according to claim 1, wherein the first heat-exchange part is connected to the third heat-exchange part in parallel.
 3. The dehumidifier according to claim 2, further comprising: a first expansion device to expand refrigerant to be supplied into the first heat-exchange part; and a second expansion device to expand refrigerant to be supplied into the third heat-exchange part.
 4. The dehumidifier according to claim 3, further comprising a valve to control a flow of refrigerant condensed in the second heat-exchange part, wherein the valve is configured to selectively direct refrigerant discharged from the second heat-exchange part into both the first and second heat-exchange parts at the same time, or into only the first heat-exchange part.
 5. The dehumidifier according to claim 3, wherein each of the first and second expansion devices is configured to control an opening degree thereof to selectively direct refrigerant condensed in the second heat-exchange part into both the first and third heat-exchange parts at the same time, or into only the first heat-exchange part.
 6. The dehumidifier according to claim 3, wherein the first and second expansion devices are configured to be controlled independently in opening degree so that an evaporation temperature of the first heat-exchange part is different from an evaporation temperature of the third heat-exchange part.
 7. The dehumidifier according to claim 6, wherein the second expansion device has an opening degree less than an opening degree of the first expansion device.
 8. The dehumidifier according to claim 1, wherein at least one portion of the third heat-exchange part vertically overlaps the second heat-exchange part.
 9. The dehumidifier according to claim 8, wherein the at least one portion of the third heat-exchange part is located above a top side of the second heat-exchange part.
 10. The dehumidifier according to claim 9, wherein the at least one portion of the third heat-exchange part is located directly beside the first heat-exchange part.
 11. A dehumidifier comprising: an inlet part into which air is introduced; a plurality of heat-exchange parts through which air introduced through the inlet part passes; and a discharge part through which air passing through the plurality of heat-exchange parts is discharged, wherein the plurality of heat-exchange parts comprise: a first heat-exchange part acting as an evaporator; a second heat-exchange part acting as a condenser; and a third heat-exchange part acting as an evaporator, wherein the second heat-exchange part is disposed between the first heat-exchange part and the third heat-exchange part.
 12. The dehumidifier according to claim 11, wherein refrigerant discharged from the second heat-exchange part is divided to flow into the first heat-exchange part and the third heat-exchange part.
 13. The dehumidifier according to claim 12, further comprising: a first expansion device to expand refrigerant flowing into the first heat-exchange part; and a second expansion device to expand refrigerant flowing into the third heat-exchange part.
 14. The dehumidifier according to claim 13, wherein the third heat-exchange part is disposed at a downstream side of the first heat-exchange part.
 15. The dehumidifier according to claim 14, wherein the first and second expansion devices are configured to be controlled independently in opening degree so that an evaporation temperature of the first heat-exchange part is different from an evaporation temperature of the third heat-exchange part.
 16. The dehumidifier according to claim 15, wherein the second expansion device has an opening degree less than an opening degree of the first expansion device.
 17. The dehumidifier according to claim 11, further comprising a compressor to compress a refrigerant for delivery to the second heat-exchange part.
 18. The dehumidifier according to claim 11, further comprising a fan configured to produce a flow of air that successively passes in order through the inlet part, the first heat-exchange part, the second heat-exchange part, the third heat-exchange part, and the discharge part.
 19. The dehumidifier according to claim 11, wherein at least one portion of the third heat-exchange part vertically overlaps the second heat-exchange part.
 20. The dehumidifier according to claim 19, wherein the at least one portion of the third heat-exchange part is located directly beside the first heat-exchange part and above a top side of the second heat-exchange part. 